the end of the semester before xmas is always a rush of blood to the head. i have one more fish to fry. then i’m free for about two weeks before i start crunching away again. i was praying that his strength would be my strength and i became enraptured in the peace of God as i unraveled the depth of what these words meant. i usually pray for his strength naturally because I feel weak and overwhelmed. it’s usually a plea to help me get through what’s coming my way. when “let your strength” unraveled i realized i’m asking for that same strength and determination that Christ had. the strength of a carpenter who worked with raw earthly materials. a student of the scriptures. a friend to the lost, troubled, distressed, hopeless, poor, and lonely. a teacher to the stubborn, arrogant, indignant, and foolish. i don’t think he put up with people. that’s weaksauce, we do that. he loved them.

“therefore have i set my face like flint . . .: - isaiah 50.7

that verse has always inspired me. he knew the path that was ahead of him and he set his face like flint. he didn't turn or shy away. an iron will. complete obedience.
his strength endured a bloody beating, a whipping where his flesh was torn away. he was barely recognizable as a man. a crown of thorns thrusted into his scalp. afterward he carried, dragged against his broken body the heavy rugged instrument that will end his life probably a half mile or more. we all know the rest. pierced hands and feet. still the strength to welcome the thief into his peace. barely able to breathe still the strength to ask for the father's forgiveness because they knew not what they were doing.
total strength, mind, body and soul. i prayed for that strength to be mine, i pray it be yours my friends. for you howie especially...amen.

agh :: last final at 4pm today. being tested on chapter and verse from Gen 1 to Malachi 4. it's been an incredible ride to read so much scripture. wish i could remember it all. i can't wait to do this again. and again.

visual strength :: the passion site is up and a new date is set for an earlier release...the new trailer gives me chills...kinda like that part in lion king but not mockingly where the hyenas cackle at the name of mufasa...oooh say it again.

posted by affectionate @ 12/15/2003 11:26:00 AM